Only 15 days in Vietnam,this tour gives you the opportunity to experience the hidden charms of Hanoi and the extraordinary beauty of Ha Long Bay, to discover the unique customs of the ethnic people in the mountainous area of Sapa. Learn about the wonderful history of Vietnam by visiting the World Heritage Sites of Hue citadel and Hoi An ancient town. Have a the best relaxing at Nha Trang beach and My Khe beach in Da Nang city one of the most charming beach in the world. Then come to visit the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh, the attraction Mekong Delta and the Cu Chi tunnels in the South.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL

Arriving in Hanoi (Noi Bai airport), you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel for check-in (hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in). The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the tree-lined boulevards, French Indochinese architecture and tranquil lakes of this unique city.
Stay overnight in Hanoi.

DAY2: HANOI CITY TOUR - NIGHT TRAIN TO SAPA (B, L, -)

8h30. You will be picked up from your hotel lobby and depart for the city tour with visit to the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure is one of Vietnam's most iconic temples. Close by is the mausoleum of the historic figure and father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Oct-Nov) and the former presidents house on stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969, his former home illustrates the modesty of this Vietnamese revolutionary.
Continue your visit to the Taoist Temple (Quan Thanh Temple) which is dedicated to Tran Vu, one of the principal deities in Taoism or visit Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda, was built in the sixth century (means “Stabilizing the Nation”). Lunch will be had in one of the city's finest restaurants.

After lunch visit the Temple of Literature - Vietnam's first university, also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam's past.

Next we go to visit Hanoi Old Quarter also known as the '36 streets'. Take a walking tour around Hoan Kiem Lake. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It's a great place to explore life-style of Hanoians, culture or architecture with plenty of photo opportunities all around you.

Your leisure time until transfer to Hanoi station for a night train to Sapa on SE1 leaving at 21h10 (9 hour duration).
Stay overnight in air-conditioned cabin (soft sleeper – 4 berth compartment).

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel and Lunch at a local restaurant.

DAY 3: LAO CAI - SAPPA - CAT CAT VILLAGE (B, L, -)

6h00. Arrive to Lao Cai train station. Welcome by your local guide and driver. Take a drive of 30km for over an hour drive uphill to Sapa. After freshen up and Breakfast in a local restaurant you will enjoy a walk around this charming town, paying visit to Sapa market and the old cathedral where you can meet a lot of local ethnic minority peoples such as Black H’mong and Red Zao wearing their traditional colorful dresses selling their farming and gathering products and handicrafts for souvenir.

Check in your hotel, having Lunch and noon Break before departing for a walk to Cat Cat village locating near the bottom of a deep valley at the foot of Fansipan Peak. Spectacular scenery of mountains and terraced rice paddies changes after every corner as you walk downhill. Getting through Cat Cat village of the H’mong, you will pay visiting to some local homes, witnessing their daily life activities and experiencing their hospitality. Continue walking down to the valley bottom, having a break at a stunning waterfall where the French built a hydraulic power station, you will walk uphill and make a loop around the valley and get back to Sapa. Dinner on your own. In the evening, you’re free to do as you wish. You can explore the town of Sapa at night.

Overnight at hotel in Sapa town.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel and Lunch at a local restaurant.

DAY 4: SAPPA - LAO CHAI - TA VAN - GIANG TA CHAI - HANOI (B, L, -)

Have breakfast at Hotel then check out hotel room. 9h00 You will be picked up from your hotel lobby by your local guide and transferred south towards Muong Hoa Valley, and then descend by foot through the largest terraced rice paddy area in the Sapa region. Our walk takes us through the village of Lao Chai, home to the Black Hmong minority, then on to Ta Van village, inhabited by the Giay minority. We have a great opportunity to observe the daily life and traditional hospitality of these people and then stop to rest and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by your guide in a local house.

After lunch, continue your walk on a hilly trail through a bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai village, a Red Dao ethnic minority village. After taking a rest nearby a waterfall to refresh, climb uphill to where your car will be waiting for your journey back to Sapa town where the full day trip ends. You will have dinner on your own.
Late afternoon you will be transferred to Lao Cai railway station to catch the overnight train back to Hanoi.

08h00. You will be picked up from your hotel lobby for 3.5 hour bus ride through the country side of the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. Water buffalos, paddy fields (rice transplanting time: February and June) and daily Vietnamese farmer life are on both sides of the way. Comfort break time at Hai Duong city.
Arrive in Halong City at noon, we board a traditional wooden junk and start the cruising trip to the centre of the bay. Fresh seafood lunch (vegetable menu available) is served while the boat is gliding out. Get ready for exotic photos and absorbing the most magnificent natural splendors, limestone bedrocks and sheer cliffs of tiny islands highlighted with fanciful names: Fighting Cocks (symbol of Halong Bay), Duck (quick swim is an optional choice), Finger, Incense Burner, and Stone Dogs Islands.

Visit the most beautiful cave in Ha Long bay “Amazing cave”. After that go to Titop Island for swimming or kayaking (optional) or climbing up the peak for a breath-taking panorama view of Bai Tu Long bay (Weather permitted). Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.

Stay overnight on board.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch and Dinner on board.

DAY 6: HA LONG BAY - HANOI (B, L, -)

Rising to the sound of lapping bay waters, we have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. Sitting on the upper deck, you can relax while taking in the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the emerald water of the bay.

On your return to Halong City enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat wends through strange-shaped limestone rock formations. Upon disembarkation your driver will meet you for the transfer back to Hanoi.

7h30. Our guide come to your hotel to pick up you go to Noi Bai airport tranfer to Hue.

Arrive Hue, you check in hotel , relax and then we go to have lunch.

In the afternoon, You will be picked up go to discover Hue city. We will visit to the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. The ancient citadel reflects the pomp and ceremony of the dynastic rulers as well as the scars of many years of turmoil, both ancient and modern (the Royal Citadel was badly damaged in the latter stages of the war) but retains a sense of grace and majesty even today.

Then depart for visiting one of the most beautiful tombs of the former emperor, we will visit , Emperor Khai Dinh's Mausoleum. Then we depart to Hoi An ancient town.and Emperor Tu Duc’s Mausoleums. Stop on the way to see how conical hats and incense sticks are made in traditional vilage. Have lunch at a local restaurant (hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in)
Return to your hotel where the full day explorer ends at about 17h00.

Stay overnight in Hue.

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch at a local restaurant.

DAY 8: HUE - HOI AN A HALF CITY TOUR (B, L, -)

7h30. Our guide come your hoel and take you go to visit Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River constructed in 1601, the 21-meter tower is the centerpiece of the pagoda and represents seven reincarnations of Buddha. On the pagoda grounds is the famous Austin car a resident monk drove to Saigon in 1963 to protest against the southern regime. The photo of his self immortalization is one of the most well known images of the war.

En route on the way go to Hoi An, stop to see the scenic fishing village Lang Co Beach. Lang Co beach attracts visitors with its stunning white sand beaches and crystal blue water. After passing Lang Co beach, we will drive for 20km on Sea cloud pass (Hai Van Pass) – the highest pass in the country and one of the most scenic and historic hillside roads in Vietnam.

After lunch, we will start a walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit former merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese communal hall and the colorful market. Hoi An is a destination with two faces – the charming, old-world trading port of narrow streets and traditional houses, and the beach with its new resorts and long stretch of clean white sand. In keeping with Hoi An’s heritage as a trading port, the town’s tiny shop houses now host a range of craft shops and artisans including some of Asia’s best bespoke tailors. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the centre of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday.

Around the town we can see a numerous art galleries and tailor shops, get some made-to-order clothes if you likeyou have free time to discover life-style of hoianains by yourself in the afternoon.

Stay overnight in Hoi An.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel and Lunch at a local restaurant.

DAY 9: HOI AN - DA NANG - NHA TRANG - DOMESTIC FLIGHT (B, L, -)

In the morning, you have free for swimng, sun bathing at Cua Dai beach, this is one of the most beutiful beach in Vietnam or shopping and discover more about life-style of Hoianian in Hoi An market, on street.

until 12h00 you check out hotel and guide come pick up you go to have lunch. After lunch, we transfer from Hoi An to Da Nang airport for flight VN 1941 to Nha Trang (14h10 - 15:35 ), the guide will welcome you and escort you to the hotel. The left of the day is openfor free sea bathing at Nha Trang beach. Have dinner at restaurant.

Stay overnight in Nha Trang.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel and Lunch at a local restaurant.

DAY 10: NHA TRANG DISCOVERY (B, L, -)

8h30. Depart from your hotel to Cau Da port. Embark on a boat trip to Mun Island the best island for snorkeling where you can see lots of lives colorful corals and fish. Then relaxing, swimming & doing water sports or other activities at Mot Island. Go to Con Se Tre Island for lunch and relax.

In the afternoon return to the habour where the bus awaits to bring you back to your hotel. Free at leisure.

Stay overnight in Nha Trang

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel and Lunch at a local restaurant.

DAY 11: NHA TRANG - DA LAT CITY (B, L, -)

08h00. Our guide & driver will pick you up at your hotel in Nha Trang center to depart for Da Lat - the jewel of the Central Highlands. It is featured by a park-like environment, with lovely temperature 15°-24°C and sunlight all year round, which create numerous waterfalls, pinewood hills, lakes and evergreen forests and gardens.

Upon arrival in Da Lat, you will first visit Prenn waterfalls about 10km away from Da Lat on the way, then Tuyen Lam Reservoir, Truc Lam grandiose temple. Have lunch, then take the horse cart round the hilly roads of Da Lat to the graceful Xuan Huong Lake in the centre of the city is highly recommended. Dinner at local restaurant. Evening, if you like to hike around by yourselves, remember that coffee and cake in Da Lat are some of the best in Vietnam and easily to be found in any finer cafes.

Stay overnight in Da Lat.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel and Lunch at a local restaurant.

DAY 12: DA LAT - HO CHI MINH CITY (B, L, -)

8h00. Our guide come and take you to visit Da Lat Flower Garden & Crazy House, Former Palace of Emperor Bao Dai - The last emperor of Vietnam. An then have lunch.
Afternoon, transfer to Saigon (some 300km away). You will pass through many immense coffee farms and rubber forests to reach Saigon. Visit also La Nga floating market on road. Arrive Saigon in late afternoon. Check in hotel and have dinner in Saigon.

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel and Lunch at a local restaurant.

DAY 13: HO CHI MINH CITY & CU CHI (B, L, -)

08h00. Our guide pick up you go to discover the most famous Stops In Ho Chi Minh city. We will go to visit the War Remnants where exhibition halls display imagery of both the French and 'American' wars or History Museum (choose which one you would most like to see) and the Reunification Hall, formerly known as the former Presidential Palace it was towards this modern building that North Vietnamese tanks seized on the morning of April 30 1975, as Saigon fell. This fascinating building is filled with history still fresh in the minds of many. Continue going to visit Ben Thanh Market where an incredible display of fresh produce is offered. Simply stroll through the market exploring the variety of goods for sale. And then we have lunch.

Stroll (your vehicle will be available at all times) to the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City: the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall.

In the afternoon depart Ho Chi Minh City for the drive to Cu Chi district. Leaving the city behind, the scenery changes to views of rice paddies, villagers drying noodles by the side of the road and other scenes typical to southern Vietnam.

Arrive and start the visit of the famous Cu Chi Tunnels which consist of an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters (Viet Cong) during both the French and American wars. Start the visit with the Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc sections of the tunnel. Here you can imagine what it was like to be a guerrilla complete with Russian Carbine rifles and AK 47's on display. In the late afternoon journey back to Ho Chi Minh City. At the end of the afternoon head back to your hotel at 17h00.

This morning, leave bustling Ho Chi Minh for the 2 hour drive to the delta town of Cai Be. The local traditional wooden boats, vast emerald rice fields and lush back waterways; these are the things that make Cai Be such a desired destination.
On arrival board your boat for a cruise of Cai Be floating market. Traders work the river and some have been living on these waters for generations. Produce at the market are hung on a pole in front of boats to attract customers and make it easier for people to see from afar what is on offer. Immerse yourself in a world of lush vegetation from the Mekong Delta as you pick through the fascinating and lively market, watching buyers bargaining for produce.

After visiting the market continue to a cottage factory where ‘pop-rice’, rice paper and coconut candies are made. Return to the boat for the cruise to Tan Phong Island. Next, take a rowing boat along the maze of shady canals. Head for a local orchard to enjoy the local tropical fruits, and visit artisan workshops to see the handicraft producers of the village at work.

Break for lunch at an orchard garden. Lunch will be local Mekong style serving specialties of the area. Afterwards, you will ride bicycles to villages, sightseeing and soaking up the rural ambiance or enjoy cooking class. If you prefer to relax, you can laze in a hammock.

Following your cruise drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive at your hotel around 17h30.

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel and Lunch at local restaurant.

DAY 15:HO CHI MINH CITY DEPARTURE (B)

The day is at your leisure for last minute sight-seeing or shopping until your transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your onward flight.

The tour ends.

TOUR PRICES:

Hotel Category

2013 Price per person in US$ in party of:

02

03

04-06

07-10

11-15

Standard Class

1114 US$

967 US$

883 US$

803 US$

721 US$

Superior Class

1260 US$

1113 US$

1029 US$

949 US$

867 US$

Deluxe Class

1551US$

1404 US$

1320 US$

1240 US$

1158 US$

Luxury Class

1808 US$

1661 US$

1577 US$

1497 US$

1415 US$

INCLUDES:
- Full transportation by private air conditioned vehicle as tour program indicated (shared bus of 2 day Halong tour).
- All entrance fees as mentioned in the program.
- Boat trips as stated in above sights (shared boat of 2 day Halong tour).
- All excursion trips and activities as tour program indicated.
- Local English-speaking guides (for other languages supplements apply).
- Meals as stated in the program (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
- Accommodation in shared twin or double bedded room with air-condition and private bathroom.
- Mineral water and chilled tissue served on trip.
- Visa on arrival to Vietnam (1 month single entry).

EXCLUDES:
- Visa stamping fee on arrival (45 US$ per person).
- All air tickets not mentioned in the program and above quotation.
- Optional tours.
- Surcharges for other language guides.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Personal expenditure, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, camera fees, communications, postage, gratuities etc…
- Meals and services other than mentioned in the program.
- Drinks with meals.
- Early check-in and late check-out at hotels, if not mentioned in the program.

HOTELS IN USE:
The following listed Hotels will be used according to the confirmed travel plan. When the confirmed hotels are not available, Viet Highlights Travel can replace the hotels with the same standard upon your agreement.

NOTE:
- Prices may vary according to your travel time and are higher in the high season, e.g. Christmas period (Dec 24-26), New Year period (Dec 31-Jan 02).
- For additional hotel night cost to the packages, please contact us for the rates.
- The prices above are based on two persons sharing one room. If you prefer a single room on your own, please pay single room supplement as follows:

Hotel Category

Price per person in US dollars for 12 night stay

Standard Class

345 US$

Superior Class

577 US$

Deluxe Class

1099 US$

Luxury Class

1567 US$

- Domestic flights of Danang-Saigon at extra cost US$ per person/ 2 routes on request (subject to availability at the time of final confirmation).
- This private escorted tour is customized for you, your family or your friends exclusively. No other travelers will join in your group.
- This tour package can be fully customizable to fit your travel plan. You can also disregard full package tours and choose whatever travel items you need or a mix of private and group tours to minimize the cost. We can quote the tours you really want. Usually travel insurance is not covered in our quotations.
- Keep your luggage and money by yourself.
- Inform in advance if you are vegetarian.
- Take original passports, good and comfortable trekking shoes, insect repellent, torches, sun scream, towels, rain gear and extra warm clothes. All customers must obey the order of your guide for your safety.

NOTE:
- Child definition: from age of 3 to 9 Years (usually enjoying 10%-20% discount. Contact us for the actual discount for your case). 10 Years old and above will be charged as Adult Price.
- All tours & transfers are all based in English Speaking local guides. For other languages, please contact us for new quotations.
- Itinerary Change to the confirmed itinerary may happen because of traffic, weather, or any other conditions not under our control such as war, strike, fire, acts of government, riot, etc. We will do our best to make sure that all the travel will be similar. Viet HighlightsTravel can substitute the itinerary upon your agreement.
- Transportation and Restaurants: The cars, vans or coaches for the land transportation should be in good shape with air conditioner. All restaurants should be tidy and clean.